IJPR.2025.113
Type of Article: Original Research
Volume 13; Issue 1 (February 2024)
Page No.: 4854-4862
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.16965/ijpr.2025.113
Clinical and Functional Profile of Patients with Stroke in Physiotherapy OPD of Tertiary Care Hospital: A Retrospective Study of 6 Years 2019 – 2024
Suvarna Ganvir 1, Jasmine Shaikh *2, Maheshwari Harishchandre 3.
*1 Professor & HOD, Dept. of Neuro Physiotherapy Dr. Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil Foundation’s College of Physiotherapy, Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, India.
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Neurophysiotherapy, Dr. Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil Foundation’s College of Physiotherapy, Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, India. ORCiD: 0009-0008-3079-5824
3 Associate Professor, Department of Neurophysiotherapy, Dr. Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil Foundation’s College of Physiotherapy, Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, India.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Suvarna Ganvir, PT, Professor & HOD, Dr. Vitthal Rao Vikhe Patil Foundation’s College of Physiotherapy, Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, India. E-Mail: suvarna.ganvir@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Stroke is a major cause of mortality and disability in India, posing a significant public health challenge. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in stroke rehabilitation, aiming to restore physical function and promote independent living. This study documents the clinical presentation patterns and evolving demographics of stroke patients to understand better the burden on physiotherapists and rehabilitation hurdles.
Objectives: This study aims to analyze the clinical and functional profiles of stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation at the Physiotherapy Department of a tertiary care hospital between January 2019 and December 2024. The objectives include assessing demographic trends, co-morbidities, and functional outcomes related to hand function, balance, and gait.
Method: A retrospective study was conducted, reviewing data from stroke patients who underwent rehabilitation at the Physiotherapy Department of Dr. Vitthal Rao Vikhe Patil Memorial Hospital. Data collected included demographics, stroke type, affected side, co-morbidities, cardiovascular risk factors, and functional assessments such as the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) for hand function, Modified Functional Reach Test (mFRT ) for sitting balance, Functional Reach Test (FRT) for standing balance, and Dynamic Gait Index for gait affection. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.
Results: The study revealed a demographic shift with an increasing incidence of stroke in younger age groups and a rising older population seeking physiotherapy. Hypertension and diabetes were identified as prevalent co-morbidities. Hand affection, balance, and gait impairments varied across acute, subacute, and chronic stages of stroke, with trends indicating potential for improvement with consistent physiotherapy interventions.
Conclusion: This study highlights the evolving demographic landscape of stroke incidence and the critical need for age-specific physiotherapy interventions. Addressing the unique challenges of younger patients through prevention and early intervention, as well as the complex, multi-dimensional rehabilitation needs of the aging population, is essential for comprehensive stroke care. The findings underscore the importance of timely access to physiotherapy and tailored rehabilitation programs to optimize functional outcomes and improve the quality of life for stroke survivors.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Gait, Hypertension, Quality of life, Physiotherapy, stroke rehabilitation.
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